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Urinary Phthalates as Potential Biomarkers for Attention Deficit Disorder and Proposed Dopaminergic Pathway Interactions

Kissel, Hannah J
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=uthonors1533402644802545

Abstract Details

2015, Bachelor of Science, University of Toledo, Biology.
Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a neuropsychological disorder typically diagnosed in childhood that can be classified into three subgroups: inattentive, impulsive/hyperactive, or a combination of both. Although heritability is estimated to be up to 80%, the etiology of this disorder is largely unknown. Recent research in the realm of ADD has given rise to several potential biomarkers of ADD, one of which being urinary phthalate metabolite levels. Phthalates are plasticizers that are very common in commercial industry—such as the manufacture of toys, PVC tubing, and medical tubing—that have given rise to widespread environmental contamination. The dopaminergic pathway has proven to play an important role in ADD susceptibility, with specific candidate genes being DAT1 (dopamine transporter) and DRD4 (dopamine receptor). Dopamine signaling is a significant factor in motor function, motivation, attention, and reward regulation within the central nervous system, and polymorphisms within these genes have been found to be associated with higher rates of ADD diagnosis. Several studies have identified specific genotypes to be associated with both higher ADD phenotypes as well as increased urinary phthalate levels. This study examines the association between urinary phthalate levels and ADD in the cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data set including children between the ages of 6 and 19. Of the thirteen phthalates analyzed two, Mono-n-methyl phthalate (p = 0.038) and Mono-(3-carboxypropyl) phthalate (p = 0.023), showed statistically significantly higher levels among ADD cases than controls; one, Mono-benzyl phthalate (p = 0.035) showed statistically significantly lower levels among cases than controls. Further research is necessary to determine the diagnostic levels and viability of these phthalates as biomarkers for ADD.
Barbara Saltzman (Advisor)
31 p.
Medicine; Public Health
ADD biomarkers; ADHD biomarkers; urinary phthalates

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Kissel, H. J. (2015). Urinary Phthalates as Potential Biomarkers for Attention Deficit Disorder and Proposed Dopaminergic Pathway Interactions [Undergraduate thesis, University of Toledo]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=uthonors1533402644802545

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Kissel, Hannah. Urinary Phthalates as Potential Biomarkers for Attention Deficit Disorder and Proposed Dopaminergic Pathway Interactions. 2015. University of Toledo, Undergraduate thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=uthonors1533402644802545.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Kissel, Hannah. "Urinary Phthalates as Potential Biomarkers for Attention Deficit Disorder and Proposed Dopaminergic Pathway Interactions." Undergraduate thesis, University of Toledo, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=uthonors1533402644802545

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

uthonors1533402644802545
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© 2015, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Toledo Honors Theses and OhioLINK.